Editor’s note: This is an expanded version of the Shirley Wild column that appeared in print in the Sunday Press-Telegram.

The YMCA held a celebration of the YMCA’s 127th year serving the greater Long Beach area on June 2.

The event, sponsored by Paramount Petroleum, represented by Ed Juno, was held in the newly remodeled banquet room of the Long Beach Airport Marriott which was beautifully adorned with orchid center pieces. There were 200 people in attendance.

The highlight of the celebration was the official introduction of Jason Hagensick (with his wife Liz) as the YMCA’s 14th President and CEO. Jason spoke of the brand new national perspective of the YMCA “with its endless possibilities in the scope of work to be done, the people we could serve and the support we could engender.” He said, “Starting today, we’ll position ourselves as the community’s leading non-profit for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.” He reiterated the Y’s dedication to building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults, families and communities as a promise and a cause.

Congratulations were given to the Community Development Y and the Fairfield Family Y for offering outstanding programs in Youth Development and Healthy Living. More than 40 members of local Y’s Men/Y Service Clubs were in attendance and were named as the Social Responsibility Honorees.

Also present were Alan Hostrup, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Los Angeles, and Jason’s parents, Darla and Johnnie Hagensick and his aunt, Dana Provenzano, who had flown in from Texas to be present at this milestone.

Rick Rackers installation

You wouldn’t have recognized the Assistance League of Long Beach Philanthropic Center on June 7. Amidst rustic farm-table baskets — overflowing with succulent greenery, grape vines, vibrant sunflowers, and bottles of fine wines, more than 70 members and guests were transported to the vineyards of the Napa Valley countryside.

Rick Rackers Auxiliary ALLB celebrated its Annual Meeting and Installation of officers with a theme of “Fine Wines,” with piano music played by Virgie Barnes. The social committee welcomed members, friends and family with wine-tasting, delectable appetizers, and a beautiful array of fine cheeses.

The California fine wine theme continued throughout the day’s event. Inspired by the newly installed Rick Rackers Chairman Melissa Murchison’s love for the California wine country, the new board was introduced as “a select group of fine vintages cultivated in our own back yards” by Commentator and the day’s sommelier, Nancy Smith. Nancy explained the “character” behind each fine wine in the “Governing Body” collection.

The introductions began with the “Queen of the Grapes,” the Chardonnay, Melissa Murchison, deemed golden, with hints of fruit, butter, and spice.

The “wine glass,” the base, the wine’s support system, Vice Chairman Shannon Cofell.

Following the installation, guests dined on a scrumptious luncheon of California farm-to-table faire: chilled melon soup, grilled chicken pesto sandwiches with sweet potato chips, baby field greens topped with heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic vinaigrette, finishing with vanilla ice cream drizzled with chocolate merlot wine sauce. The installation reminds that “fine wine” comes in many different flavors and appearances, much like the fine women of Rick Rackers, who contribute so much of their time and talents to help so many in need.

This past year, Rick Rackers members clothed 4,015 elementary school children in Long Beach and gave $5,000 to deserving students through the Winifred Campbell Nursing Scholarship. They have a goal of clothing 10,000 children annually by 2012. Rick Rackers is a nonprofit volunteer organization, chartered in 1942, whose purpose is philanthropic work to improve the lives of children in the community. For more information, please call 562-627-5650.

Long Beach Camerata Singers held their annual Broadway Show and Silent Auction fundraiser on June 11 at the Daniel Recital Hall on the campus of CSULB, with around 200 supporters attending. The program included a medley from “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat,” a Cole Porter Medley; and excerpts from “Grease,” “Phantom of the Opera” and more.

A tempting and mouth-watering buffet of hors d’oeuvres, cheese, fruit and veggies was prepared by Timothy Raulerson. The Silent Auction featured more than 85 baskets, outings and gift certificates, donated by members of the choir and supportive friends and businesses. The silent auction raised $7500 to help the group bring Classical Choral Music to the community.

Founded in 1966, under the artistic direction of Robert Istad, the Camerata Singers have been a Long Beach treasure for more than four decades. Presenting performances of classical choral music and other creative programming designed to reach a broad spectrum of the community and beyond, Long Beach Camerata Singers also provides educational and cultural opportunities for audiences of all ages, children to adults. The first fall performance will be on Oct. 22, featuring Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms.”

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